PFAS

14th District State Senator Sue Shink is taking aim at a lack of transparency when it comes to so-called "forever chemicals." The Northfield Township Democrat is pushing for the Michigan Legislature to require consumer products with PFAS have a warning label. Senator Shink provided details of what she wants to see on this week's "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair.

The Trump administration has rolled back a Biden administration plan that would have set more stringent PFAS discharge limits into water sources. The Huron River is already contaminated with the forever chemicals. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman, who gave an update on the current health of the Huron and what rollbacks in environmental protections may mean for the future health of the river.

The Conservancy Initiative in Northville Township is hoping to gain further community support as Green For Life (GFL) plans to expand the Arbor Hills Landfill. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the state is following the law to include the costs of compliance in groundwater cleanup orders. Rick Pluta reports.

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments today on a challenge to the state’s drinking water rules for PFAS. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Washtenaw County has elected its next Water Resources Commissioner. Evan Pratt decided against running for re-election after serving four terms. Former Saline Mayor and State Representative Gretchen Driskell won the race. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the priorities and challenges of the new job.

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether a state agency failed to follow a critical step as it adopted rules to protect drinking water from contamination by a class of forever chemicals. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Biden Administration has taken steps to address the environmental problems posed by PFAS contamination. The U.S. Supreme Court recently made a ruling overturning the "Chevron Doctrine," and it has environmentalists alarmed. The implications on PFAS regulation and clean-up are already being felt and could have implications right here in Michigan. That's the topic WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak chose for the September edition of "1st Friday Focus on the Environment." Their guest is among those concerned about the ramifications. John Reeder is Vice President of Federal Affairs with the Environmental Working Group.

PFAS contamination has already been a significant concern. Now, there may be reason to add to the worry. A study funded by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center finds there is an array of PFAS chemical profiles in rainwater falling over Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the center’s Erica Bloom about the findings and what it means to the environment and public health.

The National PFAS Conference kicked off on Monday in Ann Arbor. The conference held every other year meets to work on solutions to eliminate the so-called “forever chemicals.” WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.